Hiking Tips for Beginners - Making Your First Hiking Safe

Mountain hiking is fantastic - hiking through green valleys and climbing to rugged peaks with wonderful views. On a trip to the mountains, however, you can do a lot wrong or forget. I've already tried a lot. Do better with my tips for safe hiking:

1. Choose the right hikes

How fit are you? You should assess the stages realistically and of course you should only choose a tour that you have grown physically and technically.

2. Prepare yourself well

Do you have the right map material?

Not too old, the scale is not too small? Even if the trail is signposted, you should have a map with you.

Where is it going?

Sometimes you do not immediately notice on the map where exactly the route leads. I once a pedestrian tunnel, which I did not recognize as such, messed up the tour (apart from the fact that I would not like to walk 2 kilometers through a tunnel, he was also closed). Therefore, it is advisable to always read a tour description in the guide or on the Internet. So you know if the path leads along exposed areas that you can not commit, for example, in the rain, whether sections are only accessible at certain times, how the path quality and how the approximate walking times are.

Hut already reserved?

If you are planning a multi-day tour, it is best to call in advance in the huts and make reservations . Often, the huts are fully occupied in the summer (or close earlier than planned, what happened to me in the Dolomites already) . Mountain shelter huts must provide accommodation for a hiker, though there is not enough time to descend, but it does not sleep well in the makeshift camp or guest room. Do not forget: Cancel if the planning is still changing.

4. Please pack the right equipment

Who knows me that I hate onions? Only when hiking I am on the side of onion tactics, because it has proven itself in the mountains very well. The weather in the mountains can change quickly, besides, you get uphill sweaty fast, on the summit it gets cold again. So dress in layers, which of course look a little different depending on the season and temperatures.

This is what my gear looks like:

- breathable outerwear in layers

- a warm sweater I always have for long hiking

- pants with removable leg parts - rain jacket, possibly rain pants

- comfortable, well-walked hiking boots (heavy theme, mine have just gone through)

- well-fitting backpack

- personal GPS tracker, working without cell service (essential!)

- Sunglasses (always!) and sunscreen

- first aid kit

- emergency whistle, garment in signal color (I would have liked in Kyrgyzstan)

- cell phone with a full battery

- possibly flashlight

- sufficient Drinking water

- provisions

If it is a multi-day hiking, you must need to sleep in the tent. The following infographic gives some practical tips about tenting. Check it out.